In the cable outlet’s sixth annual study, the Lone Star State scored 1,604 points out of a possible 2,500, finishing in the top 10 in six of 10 categories that CNBC used to compile its rankings. Since CNBC began compiling the list in 2007, Texas has never ranked lower than second.

The news prompted an outpouring of praise from Texas politicians, notably Gov. Rick Perry, who issued a statement that painted Texas as an ideal place to live and work.

“Claiming the spot as America’s Top State for Business 2012 reinforces the fact that the Lone Star State is the nation’s leader in fostering an economic climate that creates jobs, promotes innovation and opens the door to unlimited opportunity,” Perry said. “Our conservative fiscal policies, including low taxes, fair courts and predictable regulations, keep our state the top destination to live, work, grow a business and raise a family.”

Perry was joined by a range of Texas politicians who posted messages on their Facebook pages lauding the state’s ranking.

“Great news for the Lone Star State! TEXAS ranked as the #1 state for doing business, again!” Rep. Francisco “Quico” Canseco, a San Antonio Republican, posted.

“Great news and further proof that policies in the Lone Star State are working!” Rep. Joe Barton of Ennis wrote.

And Rep. Sam Johnson, a Plano Republican, even snuck in a political dig in his response.

“Good read – Texas ranked #1 for business in 2012. That’s what happens when you don’t punish people or businesses with heavy tax burdens,” Johnson posted.

Each year, CNBC scores the 50 states “on the criteria they use to sell themselves.” This year’s rankings were more comprehensive than years past, “using 51 metrics developed with the help of the National Association of Manufacturers and the Council on Competitiveness, as well as input from the states themselves,” CNBC reported.

Some of the categories used to rank the states included economy, education, quality of life and cost of living. Texas ranked highest in infrastructure, was second in technology and innovation and third in cost of living.

“Texas endured a wrenching budget crisis last year. While the state is still not out of the fiscal woods, it managed to emerge with its sterling, triple-A bond rating and stable outlook intact,” CNBC said.

There were some areas, however, where the Lone Star State wasn’t as successful. Texas ranked 26th in education and 35th in quality of life. And the state’s overall tax burden, including property and sales taxes, is “high,” CNBC said, leading to a 28th-place ranking in cost of doing business.